Kent County Tourism is reminding homebrewers that entries are currently being accepted for the 2nd Annual Delaware Homebrew Championship. This year’s theme is “Drink Local, Eat Local, Buy Local” and will feature every Delaware brewery, winery and distillery. The event will also highlight select Delaware restaurants, more than 30 Delaware artists and artisans, a keg-tossing contest and two live bands.

“This is the second year for the championship and we have already exceeded last year’s number with two and a half months to go,” said Kent County Tourism Director of Sales Charles Gray, who is also coordinating the competition.

Gray also noted in a press release that the 2014 competition will see the debut of female brewers.

The event is an American Homebrewers Association-sanctioned competition, meaning that the champion brewer will be chosen by “Beer Judge Certified Program” judges. Top winners in each of the five brewing categories will receive medallions and trophies per the panel of judges and VIP ticket-holder votes. First and second place winners will be chosen only by the certified judging panel.

The five categories include American/Imperial (IPA), American Ale, which includes pale, amber and brown, Delaware-grown Fruit Beer, Belgian/French Ale and Specialty.

Home brewers interested in competing must purchase an advance $10 “brew competition” ticket online (here) or call Kent County Tourism at (302) 734-8309. Competitors may also purchase a festival ticket that includes five beer samples for an additional $10.

Competitors will be required to deliver their beer—a minimum of six bottles—to the Festival between 9 and 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 11. Additionally, this year’s competition will be limited to 50 first-come, first-served entries.

“We had an outstanding selection of entries last year,” Gray said in June. “For 2014, we’ve dramatically increased the first and second place awards so we anticipate more entries.”

The first place winner will receive $1,000 in prizes and cash, which will include:

A full-day “brew-ternship” at Fordham & Dominion Brewery

A two-night lodging package at MainStay Suites

A private tour, t-shirt and growler from Mispillion River Brewing

Cash and other prizes

The second place winner will receive cash and prizes totaling $500, including: